Following the Padres’ series, I said this upcoming road trip was potentially the most important of the 2016 season and nothing has changed my mind. The Pirates are playing two very good teams and they began with a very big series victory.
The Dodgers are a very good home team and the Pirates really needed to show they can hang with them. The Pirates played two very solid baseball games and won the series. They now find themselves just one game out of the second wildcard. Given how up and down their season has been, that is a damn good result. I know we’re all frustrated with the wildcard game, but you know what’s worse? Not making the playoffs. If you get into the tournament, anything can happen.
My biggest takeaway from this series is the overall improvement of the starting rotation. The revamped Bucs’ starters have done a damn good job. Ivan Nova and Chad Kuhl both pitched very well and did enough to leave the team to victories. Gerrit Cole will eventually turn things around from his recent skid, so once that happens, this could very well be the strongest one through five the Pirates have had all season.
The Pirates won’t get to enjoy this important series victory as they quickly turn their attention to the NL West-leading San Francisco Giants for a three-game series. The schedule really favored the Pirates as they will miss both Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto. If the Pirates continue to play well and win this upcoming series, I think you’ll see a return to optimism for many fans. Game one will feature Ryan Vogelsong making his first start against his former team, taking on Matt Moore. First pitch is scheduled for 10:15pm.
Series Result: Pirates win 2-1
2016 win/loss record: 59-56
2016 series record: 19-15-3
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